Fairline Carrera Sports Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Horning on the Northern Broads. Very cold this morning, and the basin was full of ice about 1” thick. Tough work for the Brokers this time of year. The Fairline Carrera was designed by John Bennett. Fairline Boats is based at Oundle and has long been a manufacturer of luxury craft. They now concentrate mainly on craft too large for the Broads, but previously Fairline produced a number of popular smaller craft, many of which are still to be found on the Norfolk Broads. Build quality is excellent, and in my experience the hulls on the Fairline boats are nearly always blister free with no signs of osmosis.

200HP Volvo petrol engine in this boat.

Jason from Norfolk Yacht Agency breaking the ice!

Ice broken... now a 'tug' around to the crane...

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Doral Venezia Sports Cruiser

I had the pleasure of Surveying this sports cruiser today down at Freshwater Cruisers in Brundall on the South Broads. Built in Canada, its an unusual boat to see here on the inland water ways, looking through my files I have only Surveyed two over the last ten years.
 
Doral History: At the end of the 90's, Doral International is now a company doing business in more than 25 countries across the world. Doral is now a major and challenging player in the Sport and Cruiser boat industry.

The Venezia is the only cruiser of its size to offer a 9.4' beam for greater stability.

The Doral Venezia is offered in both single and twin engine configurations, with an option to add a generator. This  boat was equipped with a single Volvo 5.7-litre sterndrive, with 320 horsepower!

An agile sport cruiser with the sleek beauty for which the company has made a name for
itself.

Excellent new hoist at Freshwater Cruisers

The guys at Freshwater Cruisers have pride in their work, and if you want your old boat painting to give it a fresh look, this is the place to go…… gelcoat… paint!  I couldn’t tell… you decide!

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:

steventruss1@aol.com

Aquafibre 30

Today’s assignment was to Survey this Aquafibre 30 at Bells Boats in Brundall on the South Broads.  Bell Boats Ltd is an established family run business (for over 60 years) and offers a wide range of services for the boat owner permanently or temporarily based in Norfolk.

Aquafibre was probably one of the most common known boat makers on the Broads. Aquafibre were a prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were often outfitted by a variety of boatyards, including Brooms of Brundall and Bristercraft at Wroxham. Unfortunately Aquafibre ceased trading in 2009, marking the end of an era in Norfolk boat building.

As far as I am aware, Aquafibre were producing Broadland craft since the late 1960s. You will often also notice Aquafibre craft badged with different names depending on the outfitter.

 

Good strong crane at Bells Boats.. looks like it could lift virtually anything on the Broads...

Before starting the engine, here are some basic checks to follow:

Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.

General:

Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.

Running Checks:

Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.

On Your Return:

Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

'Betsie Jane' back in the day

Betsie Jane....a twin screw Gentleman’s Motor Yacht, built by Saunders Shipyard Ltd, in 1938. LOA: 38’6” Beam: 9’6” Draft: 2’ 6”.

Betsie Jane... I surveyed this beauty during her rebuild... super job, well done...

Chris Craft 28 Catalina

I Surveyed this American Classic today. The Chris Craft 28 Catalina. A boat which once housed V8 petrol engines… now has two smaller diesels fitted and is quite suitable for the inland waters of the Broads.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, Chris-Craft has a rich heritage and an intriguing recent history. Founded over a century ago, the company earned a reputation for building quality, high-end products that last. The heyday of the firm was between the 1920s and the 1950s, when Chris-Craft became famous for its powerboats with beautiful mahogany hulls. The craftsmanship of the company is evident by the fact that antique Chris-Craft boats are available and valuable still today.

The latest chapter in the firm’s history began in 2000 when it was purchased by Stephen Julius. The company had fallen on hard times; its employees had lost their jobs and the factory sat idle. Julius cautiously began rebuilding both the product line and the firm’s reputation.

Since that time, the company has rebuilt the line around three categories of boat: Consoles, Cruisers and Runabouts. It has maintained its reputation for high-end quality craftsmanship, great designs and quality materials that include generous use of woods such as teak, oak, mahogany, maple and cherry.

 

1941 Classic

Chris Craft Riviera 31

Its a shame they have a 4mph speed limit on the Broads!! The Cobra was a single seat speedster with a shark's dorsal fin and Corvette automotive style windscreen. A marriage of fiberglass and mahogany, she marked the beginning of the end for wooden Chris-Crafts. Produced for one year only 108 were built, about half of those were 18 footers, the others 21 foot. Power was supplied by a 158-hp six or if you purchased the 21 foot model you could chose a 200-hp Chrysler Hemi or 285-hp Cadillac V-8.This artwork is based on a Cobra owned by Terry Fiest's, it was the second 18 footer produced by Chris-Craft.

Broads Motor Cruiser

I had a return trip to Martham today on the Northern Broads. This visit was the second of three to see ‘Summer Wine. She is timber constructed Motor Cruiser built by Kings in Horning back in the 50's. She was found in a run down condition, but her structure is remarkably good in general, and it is considered that she is well worthy of refitting. She has not been built to the highest standards, and employs simple materials-yet she has proved over the years to be persistently durable.

As she was last year

Built from Iroko hardwood... a very durable timber.. new stem and chine planks fitted

New bulkheads going in

A new engine will be installed...nearly all the frames (ribs) have been replaced...

Summer Wine‘, formerly named Ferry Buccaneer 3 is a timber Broads River Cruiser, constructed to a design relevant to the 1950's, she is of hard chine timber construction with a shallow tapering keel, flat transom stern, and a curved stem. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for hire on the inland water ways.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Sheerline 1070 Centre Cockpit

Today I Surveyed this Sheerline Motor Cruiser at Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham. The Sheerline 1070 Centre Cockpit offers spacious luxury. The high specification is designed to satisfy the most discerning of boating enthusiasts. The all GRP hull and superstructure with the versatility of the sliding wheelhouse roof, allows open-air living whilst retaining indoor comfort for an extended cruising season. The interior layout permits 4/6 berth accommodation with a double berth master cabin and associated toilet and shower forward. The galley/dinette area is fitted with a second toilet and shower compartment. Access is either through the rear cockpit well or by steps to the side deck from the central wheelhouse saloon with its comfortable L-shaped settee. The winch-assisted wheelhouse saloon roof slides on to the aft cabin roof and together with fold-down screens gives a very low air draft for extended river cruising.

Surveyors comments:

On ex hire boats its common to see areas of stress cracks within the fibreglass around the gunwales and on some of the deck stanchions. Such cracks are often caused by light impact, or through limited fatigue of the gel coat, but do not usually effect the structural integrity of the adjacent structure. Where there are no indications of serious degrading no immediate action is considered necessary.

Sealine S42 Motor Cruiser

I Surveyed and trialed this Sealine S42 today at Brundall on the South Broads.

The saloon features U-shaped seating, convertible to an additional double berth, dining table and concealed stool. A fully-equiped galley with hob, oven/grill, large fridge and split sinks is finished in Corian® worktops.

The forward double cabin is complete with en-suite toilet/shower, excellent storage/hanging space and vanity unit. The aft double cabin has the built-in choice of a large double berth or two large singles, en-suite toilet/shower, dressing table, seating area, double wardrobes and circular hatch to cockpit - a true master cabin.

Quality cruising could not be easier with well laid-out deck fittings, strategically-positioned handrails, heavy duty stainless steel windscreen and porthole frames, large teak-laid bathing platform and provision for paraselle/dinghy crane or davits.

40 ton hoist at Brundall... ideal



'Washing her off' before a detailed inspection can be carried out on the hull



Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Trader 41 (41+2).

Todays assignment was to Survey this 41 ft Trader Motor Yacht at Brooms in Brundall, Norfolk, UK.

The trader 41 and 41+2 (the same boat but with two more berths) were designed and developed by Tarquin Boat Co of Ringwood, Hampshire, but were built in Taiwan. They were introduced in 1980 and 1981 respectively. To date Tarquin have sold over 140 boats, of which about 30 have remained in the UK. The 41 has four berths in two large cabins, one forward and one aft, and two occasional berths in the wheelhouse. The 41+2 has two smaller forward cabins, giving an extra two berths. The full width aft cabin on both boats provides a spacious sundeck above.Hull shape is medium vee with a keel, effectively a semi displacement form. The most popular engine installation is a pair of 120HP Ford diesels, which drive the boat at 12 knots, but more powerful engines have been fitted up to twin 255HP Caterpillars pushing speeds up to 22 knots. This boat has the 306HP Volvos fitted.

beautiful teak interior that Traders are known for.



Very high tides today in Brundall.... glad i brought the wellies!



Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Broads Boats of all types and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Fire prevention & extinguishing equipment...

I was at Richardson’s Boatyard in Stalham today carrying out four Valuation Surveys.

I thought this was a good idea on thier newer cruisers. A hole drilled through into the engine bay so you can extinguish a fire with one of the dry powder units located in the aft cabin. Stops air rushing in to the engine space if the engine room hatch is lifted to fight the fire ...(very dangerous) and saves on the cost of having a fixed system. Fixed systems are counted as additional to the absolute minimum requirements for portable extinguishers. If the fixed system is remotely operated it's a good idea for the release device to be readily accessible from outside the fire risk space so that the person using it is not placed in danger.



  Broads Sunset.... one of the boats I valued today. Spec includes • 240v system • Bow thruster for ease of handling • Elevated stateroom with sliding canopy over provides superb all round visibility • Lower stern deck with boarding platform for easy access • Microwave • Vacuum cleaner • 14" 240v TV • DVD • CD • Stereo radio • Soft furnishings • Duvets and bed linen •  2 shower/WC rooms. Radiator central heating with instant hot water and 2 toilets/showers are en suite.

Hire prices from £812.00 a week...

 Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Broads Boats of all types and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com